An uncharacterized member of the ribokinase family in thermococcus kodakarensis exhibits myo-inositol kinase activity

Abstract

Background: The archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis harbors an uncharacterized member of the ribokinase family encoded by TK2285. Results: The structure of the TK2285 protein was elucidated, and the protein exhibited unexpected kinase activity toward myo-inositol. Conclusion: The Thermococcales harbor a novel, archaea-type ribokinase family member with activity toward myo-inositol. Significance: Our results raise the possibility of a novel mechanism of inositol metabolism in Archaea. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.